Colleges and Universities in 32 States and D.C. Awarded More Than $21 Million in Grants to Help Students Pursue Graduate Fellowships in STEM-Related and Other High-Need Subjects

The U.S. Department of Education today announced the award of more than $21 million in grants to help fund 478 fellowships in colleges and universities in 32 states and Washington, D.C. The awards were made under the Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) program, which helps to support graduate fellowships for students who need financial assistance for higher education and who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement. Students who benefit from funding through the GAANN program must pursue the highest degree available in their course of study.

The academic disciplines designated as areas of national need for these grants include subjects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), such as biological sciences, chemistry, computer and information sciences, physics, and research, to name a few.

"These grants support our ongoing efforts to help strengthen America's leadership in the 21st century by improving education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "This fellowship assistance helps increase the number of teachers with a strong background in math and science, as well as the number of graduate students who complete degrees in these areas."

One-hundred and thirty-six awardees will receive three years of funding under the FY 2012 GAANN program.